U.S. Olympic Runner Allyson Felix: ‘Faith Leads My Life’

Olympic Track and Field athlete Allyson Felix says that her faith in Christ is what governs all aspects of her life.

The Christian Examiner reports that the 30-year-old Felix will compete in a number of races in the second week of the Rio Olympic Games.

Although Felix is a celebrated runner and has won six world championships, she suffered a number of setbacks this past year, including the loss of her grandfather and a hamstring injury that prevented her from making the women’s 200 meters team.

Felix said that she is able to keep going despite these setbacks because of her faith.

"Faith leads my life," she told the LA Times. "I definitely feel like I've been blessed with this gift, and so that's something that helps me to see the bigger picture. It's so easy to get caught up in winning everything and just the kind of the grind of what professional sports is, but it definitely helps me to kind of pull back and see that there's a greater purpose."

Felix said she grew up in a Christian home and gave her life to Christ at a young age.

"Our family was very involved in our church. I am so blessed to have my family and the upbringing that I did. It means so much to me to have two very godly parents who both have so much wisdom. They are amazing role models that I have had the privilege to watch as I grew up," Felix shared.

She also shared that when she feels anxious about competing, she relies on Philippians 4:6-7 which reads:

"Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."